Demand side management module

ABSTRACT

A household appliance system comprising an appliance control system having a common appliance interface provided on an appliance and a demand side management module connected to the common appliance interface. The module corresponds to one select utility of a plurality of utilities and is configured to communicate with the one select utility of the plurality of utilities. The appliance control system operates the appliance based on communications with the one select utility through the module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/559,636, filed on Sep. 15, 2009; which in turnclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/097,082, filed on Sep. 15, 2008, both of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entireties as part of the presentdisclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to energy management, and more particularly toenergy management of household consumer appliances. The disclosure,finds particular application to changing existing appliances is add-onfeatures or modules, and incorporating new energy saving features andfunctions into new appliances.

Currently utilities charge a flat rate, but with increasing cost of fuelprices and high energy usage at certain parts of the day, utilities haveto buy more energy to supply customers during peak demand. Consequently,utilities are charging higher rates during peak demand. If peak demandcan be lowered, then a potential huge cost savings can be achieved andthe peak load that the utility has to accommodate is lessened.

One proposed third party solution is to provide a system where acontroller “switches” the actual energy supply to the appliance orcontrol unit on and off. However, there is no active control beyond themere on/off switching. It is believed that others in the industry ceasesome operations in a refrigerator during, on-peak time.

For example, in a refrigerator most energy is consumed to keep averagefreezer compartment temperature at a constant level. Recommendedtemperature level is based on bacteria multiplication. Normallyrecommended freezer temperature for long (1-2 month) food storage is 0degrees F. Research shows that bacteria, rise is a linear function ofthe compartment temperature, i.e., the lower the temperature the lowerthe bacteria multiplication. Refrigerator designers now use thisknowledge to prechill a freezer compartment (and in less degree arefrigerator compartment also) before defrost, thus keeping an averagetemperature during time interval that includes before, during, and afterdefrost at approximately the same level (for example, (0 degrees F.).

There are also currently different methods used to determine whenvariable electricity-pricing schemes go into effect. There are phonelines, schedules, and wireless signals sent by the electrical company.One difficulty is that no peak shaving method for an appliance such as arefrigerator will provide a maximal benefit. Further, differentelectrical companies use different methods of communicating periods ofhigh electrical demand to their consumers. Other electrical companiessimply have rate schedules for different times of day.

Electrical utilities moving to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMUsystem will need to communicate to appliances. HVAC, water heaters, etc.in a home or office building. All electrical utility companies (morethan 3,000 in the US) will not be using the same communication method tosignal in the AMI system. Similarly, known systems do not communicatedirectly with the appliance using a variety of communication methods andprotocols, nor is a modular and standard method created forcommunication devices to interface and to communicate operational modesto the main controller of the appliance. Although conventionalWiFi/ZigBee/PLC communication solutions are becoming commonplace, thisdisclosure introduces numerous additional lower cost, reliable solutionsto trigger “load shedding” responses in appliances or other users ofpower. This system may also utilize the commonplace solutions as partsof the communication protocols.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure reduces power consumption during on-peak hours byreducing the energy demand on the power generation facility, and alsoenabling the user/consumer to pay less to operate the appliance on anannual basis.

This disclosure is a low-cost alternative to using expensive orcomplicated methods of determining when peak electrical rates apply. Forexample, when the refrigerator is in peak shaving mode or it could beprogrammed to do this constantly), an ambient light sensor determineswhen it is morning, and then stays in energy-saving mode for apredetermined number of hours. Preferably, the system will need acounter to know that the room has been dark for a predetermined numberof hours. When the lights come on for a certain length of time then thesystem knows, for example, that it is morning.

This disclosure provides a peak-sharing appliance such as arefrigerator, including a method to determine when to go intopeak-shaving mode without using additional components, or componentsthat have another purpose, and provides a high percentage of the maximumbenefit for negligible cost. The two components needed for this are anambient light sensor and a timer. The kitchen will be dark for anextended period of time while everyone is sleeping. The light sensor andthe timer will be used to determine that it is nighttime and morning canbe determined by the light sensor. When the refrigerator determines itis morning, the timer will be used to initiate peak shaving mode aftersome delay time. For example, peak shaving mode could start three hoursafter it is determined, morning starts. Similarly, the ambient lightsensor can also be used for dimming the refrigerator lights. Thisdisclosure advantageously uses ambient light to determine when to startpeak shaving.

An appliance interface can be provided for all appliances leaving themodule to communicate with the AMI system. The system provides forappliance sales with a Demand Side Management capable appliance. TheDemand Side Management Module (DSMM) is provided to control the energyconsumption and control functions of an appliance using a communicationmethod (including but not limited to PLC, FM, AM SSB, WiFi, ZigBee,Radio Broadcast Data System, 802.11, 802.15.4, etc.). The modularapproach will enable an appliance to match electrical utilitycommunication requirements. Each electrical utility region may havedifferent communication methods, protocol methods, etc. This modularapproach allows an appliance to be adapted to a particular geographicalarea of a consumer or a particular electrical provider. The module canbe added as a follow on feature and applied alter the appliance isinstalled. Typical installations could include an integral mountedmodule (inside the appliance or unit) or an externally mounted module(at the wall electrical receptacle or anywhere outside the appliance orunit). The module in this disclosure provides for 2 way communicationsif needed, and will provide for several states of operation—forexample, 1) normal operation, 2) operation in low energy mode (but notoff), and 3) operation in lowest energy mode.

This module could be powered from the appliance or via a separate powersupply, or with rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries couldbe set to charge under off-peak conditions. With the module powered fromthe appliance, the appliance could turn it off until the applianceneeded to make a decision about power usage, eliminating the standbypower draw of the module. If powered separately, the appliance could goto a low energy state or completely off while the module continued tomonitor rates.

It one exemplary embodiment, a household appliance system includes anappliance control system having a common appliance interface provided onan appliance and a demand side management module connected to theappliance interface. The module corresponds to one select utility of aplurality of utilities and is adapted to communicate with the one selectutility of the plurality of utilities. The appliance control systemoperates the appliance based on communications with the one selectutility through the module.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for configuring anappliance to communicate with one select utility of a plurality ofutilities. In the method, a module is selected from a plurality ofmodules corresponding to one select utility of a plurality of utilities.The selected module is deployed in an appliance. The appliance thencommunicates with the one select utility through the module and isoperated based on the communication with the one select utility.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for configuringappliances to communicate with utilities. In the method, a first set ofmodules is provided corresponding to a first utility and a second set ofmodules is provided corresponding to a second utility. The first set ofmodules is deployed in a first set of appliances for communicating withthe first utility. The second set of modules is deployed in a second setof appliances for communicating with the second utility.

Use of RFID tags in one proposed system should offer significant savingssince the RFID tags have become very low cost due to the proliferationof these devices in retail and will effectively allow the enabledappliance to effectively communicate with the utility meter (e.g.,receive signals from the utility meter). This system makes it very easyfor a customer to manage energy usage during peak demand periods andlowers the inconvenience level to the customer by not shutting offappliances in the home by the utility. When local storage and localgeneration are integrated into the system, then cost savings are seen bythe customer. This system also solves the issue of rollingbrownouts/blackouts caused by excessive power demand by lowering theoverall demand. Also, the system allows the customer to pre-programchoices into the system that will ultimately lower utility demand aswell as save the customer money in the customer's utility billing. Forinstance, the customer may choose to disable the defrost cycle of arefrigerator during peak rate timeframes. This disclosure provides forthe controller to “communicate” with the internal appliance controlboard and command the appliance to execute specific actions with nocurtailment in the energy supply. This disclosure further provides amethod of communicating data between a master device and one or moreslave devices using RFID technology. This can be a number of states orsignals, either using one or more passive RFID tags that resonate atdifferent frequencies resonated by the master, or one or more activeRFID tags that can store data that can be manipulated by the masterdevice and read by the slave device(s). The states in either the passiveor active RFID tags can then be read by the microcontroller on the slavedevice(s) and appropriate functions/actions can be taken based uponthese signals.

Another exemplary embodiment uses continuous coded tones riding oncarrier frequencies to transmit intelligence, for example, when one ismerely passing rate information such as rate 1, 2, 3, or 4, using thetones to transmit the signals. One could further enhance the details ofthe messaging by assigning a binary number to a given tone, thusallowing one to “spell out” a message using binary coding with multipletones. The appliance microcomputer would be programmed to respond to agiven number that would arrive in binary format.

One advantage of this approach is that customers have complete controlof their power. There have been proposals by utilities to shut offcustomers if they exceed demand limits or increase the number of rollingbrownouts. This method also gives a customer finer granulity in theirhome in terms of control. A customer does not have to load shed a roomjust to manage a single device.

This disclosure also advantageously provides modes of load shedding inthe appliance, lighting, or HVAC other than “on/off” to make thesituation more acceptable from the perspective of the customer.

An advantage of the present disclosure is the ability to produceappliances with a common interface and let the module deal with theDemand Side Management.

Another advantage is the ability to control functions and featureswithin the appliance and/or unit at various energy levels, i.e., asopposed to just an on/off function.

Another advantage is that the consumer can choose the module or choosenot to have the module. If the module is chosen, it can be matched tothe particular electrical utility service provider communication methodof the consumer.

Another benefit is the increased flexibility with an associatedelectrical service provider, and the provision of several modes ofoperation (not simply an on/off mode). The module can be placed orpositioned inside or outside the appliance and/or unit to provide demandside management.

Still other benefits relate to modularity, the ability to handlemultiple communication methods and protocols without adverselyimpacting, the cost of the appliance, opening, up appliances to avariety of protocols, enabling demand side management or energymanagement, and/or providing for a standard interface to the appliance(for example, offering prechill and/or temperature set change during,on-peak hours).

Low cost, reliable RF transmissions within the home, rather than usingindustrial solutions such as PLC or Zigbee solutions which aresignificantly more costly than the aforementioned system, are yetanother benefit.

Still other features and benefits of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from reading and understanding the following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-21 illustrate various systems and methods in accordance with theexemplary embodiments described herein.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a household appliance system including anappliance control system having a common appliance interface provided onan appliance in the demand side module connected to the common applianceinterface.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an appliance having an integral demandside management module configured for two-way communications with anadvanced metering infrastructure (AMI) device connected to a utility.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an appliance having a demand sidemanagement module configured to receive one-way communications from autility.

FIG. 25 is a process diagram illustrating a method for configuring, anappliance to communicate with one select utility of a plurality ofutilities.

FIG. 26 is process flow diagram illustrating further steps for themethod of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for configuringappliances to communicate with utilities.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a demand side module communicatingwith an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a more advanced system is provided to handle energymanagement between the utility and the homeowner's appliances. Thesystem can include one or more of the following: a controller, utilitymeter, communication network, intelligent appliances, local storage,local generator and/or demand server. Less advanced systems may actuallyallow the appliance to “communicate directly with the utility meter ormesh network through the DSSM (Demand Side Management Module) (FIG. 1).The demand server is a computer system that notifies the controller whenthe utility is in peak demand and what is the utility's current demandlimit. A utility meter can also provide the controller the occurrence ofpeak demand and demand limit. The demand limit can also be set by thehome owner. Additionally, the homeowner can choose to force variousmodes in the appliance control based on the rate the utility is chargingat different times of the day. The controller will look at the energyconsumption currently used by the home via the utility meter and see ifthe home is exceeding the demand limit read from the server. If thedemand limit is exceeded, the controller will notify the intelligentappliances, lighting and thermostat/HVAC (FIG. 2).

Each intelligent appliance has a communication interface that linksitself to the controller (FIG. 3). This interface can be power-linecarrier, wireless, and/or wired. The controller will interact with theappliance and lighting controls as well as thermostat (for HVAC) toexecute the users preferences/settings.

Enabled appliances receive signals from the utility meter and help lowerthe peak load on the utility and lower the amount of energy that theconsumer uses during high energy cost periods of the day. There areseveral ways to accomplish this, through wireless communication (ZigBee,WiFi, etc) or through PLC (power line carrier) communication.Alternatively, using passive MID tags that resonate at differentfrequencies resonated by the master, or one or more active RFID tagsthat can store data that can be manipulated by the master device andread by the slave devices(s) is an effective and potentially lower costcommunication solution since there is no protocol. Rather, a pulse ofenergy at a particular frequency will allow a low cost method with anopen protocol for transmitting/communicating between a master device andone or more slave devices, and appropriate functions/actions can betaken based upon these signals.

The interaction between controller and appliances can occur in two ways.For example, in one scenario during a peak demand period, the controllerwill receive a demand limit from the utility, demand server or user. Thecontroller will then allocate the home's demand based on two factors:priority of the appliance and energy need level (FIG. 4). The prioritydictates which appliances have higher priority to be in full or partialenergy mode than other appliances. Energy need dictates how much energyis required for a certain time period in other for that appliance tofunction properly. If the appliance's energy need is too low to functionproperly, the appliance moves to a normal mode or a higher energy needlevel. The energy saving mode is typically a lower energy usage mode forthe appliance such as shutdowns of compressors and motors, delayedcycles, higher operating, temperatures in summer or lower operatingtemperatures in winter until the peak demand period is over. Once thedemand limit is reached, the appliances will stay in their energy modeuntil peak demand is over, or a user overrides, or appliance finishesneed cycle or priority changes. The controller constantly receivesstatus updates from the appliances in order to determine which statethey are in and in order to determine if priorities need to change toaccomplish the system goals.

In a second scenario, for example, a set point is provided. During apeak demand period, the controller will tell each appliance to go intopeak demand mode (FIG. 5). The appliance will then go into a lowerenergy mode. The customer can deactivate the energy savings mode byselecting a feature on the appliance front end controls i.e. userinterface board) before or during the appliance use or at thecontroller. The controller can also communicate to a local storage orpower generation unit. This local unit is connected to the incomingpower supply from the utility. The controller notifies the storage unitto charge when it is not in peak demand, if a storage unit is includedand available. If the storage unit has enough energy to supply theappliances during peak demand, then the controller will switch thehome's energy consumption from the utility to the storage unit. The unitcan also be local generator/storage such as solar, hydrogen fuel cell,etc.

The central controller handles energy management between the utility andhome appliances, lighting, thermostat/HVAC, etc. with customer choicesincorporated in the decision making process. The controller may includenotification of an energy saving mode based on demand limit read fromone or more of a utility meter, utility, demand server or user. Anenergy savings mode of an appliance can thereby be controlled orregulated based on priority and energy need level sent from thecontroller and/or the customer (FIG. 6). Likewise, consideration to useof local energy storage and use of a local generator to offset peakdemand limit can be incorporated into the energy managementconsiderations, or provide the ability to override mode of energysavings through the controller or at the appliance, lighting, orthermostat/HVAC (FIGS. 7 and 8).

The present disclosure has the ability for the home to shed loads inpending brown-out or black-out situations, yet have intelligence toprevent an improper action such as shutting down the refrigerator forextended timeframes that might compromise food storage safety.

How much energy the appliance consumes in peak demand is based onpriority of the device and the energy need level. If the appliance'spriority is high, then the appliance will most likely not go into asaving mode. The energy need level is based on how little energy theappliance can consume during peak demand and still provide the functionsetting it is in (i.e. in a refrigerator, ensuring that the temperatureis cool enough to prevent spoiling). It will also be appreciated that anappliance may have multiple energy need levels.

The controller will be the main product with the communication andsettings control incorporated within future appliances. Specific meterswill be selected so that the controller can read the demand usage. It isintended that the demand server will possibly be purchased or leased tothe utility.

A method is provided for constructing an appliance designed to performany key function, the appliance comprises of several mechanical andelectrical elements controlled by a main controller. This maincontroller has a port for receiving information regarding theoperational state of the appliance. The port also has a user interfaceor switch which could be used to override the information received bythe controller through the port. Two-way or one-way communicationdevices may be connected to the port. These communication devices willreceive signals from a remote controller, process those signals and as aresult communicate an operational state to the main controller of theappliance. This operational state is communicated to the main controllerby one or more remote controllers in a specific format determined by theappliance. These signals from the remote controller(s) could be based ona variety of communication methods and associated protocols. Onreceiving the operational state signal, the appliance main controllercauses the appliance to run a predetermined operational mode. Theseoperational modes are designed into the appliance(s) and result indifferent resource consumption levels or patterns, even delaying use.Resources could include energy, water, air, heat, sunlight, time, etc.In future appliance models, the consumer might be given the authority tomodify the appliance responses to a given rate signal. The consumerwould be presented a “check box” of potential response modes andallowed, to choose within set parameters. For instance, the consumermight be allowed to choose the amount of temperature adjustment arefrigerator will make in response to a high utility rate.

A method of communicating data between a master device and one or moreslave devices may advantageously use continuous tone-coded transmissionsystem. This can be a number of states or signals, either using one ormore continuous tones that signify different rate states coming from thehome area network (from meter) or the utility. Additionally, one couldsend a combination of tones to transmit binary messages using a fewtones. The slave devices will incorporate a receiver that receives thecarrier frequency and then decodes the continuous tone which correspondsto the particular state of the utility rate. Once the “receiver board”detects the tone, then the downstream circuitry will trigger theappropriate response in the appliance. The carrier frequency in thisscheme can numerous spectrums, one being the FM broadcast band or aspecific FM band allocated by the FCC for low level power output. Theadvantage of broadcast band FM is the low cost of such devices and thepotential to penetrate walls, etc. within a home with very low levels ofpower due to the long wavelength of the 89-106 Mhz carrier. This processis used today in 2-way radio communications to reduce the annoyance oflistening to multiple users on shared 2-way radio frequencies. Theprocess in these radios is referred to as CTCSS (continuous tone-codedsquelch system) and would find application in this end use.

Generally, it is not known to have modular interfaces that can receivesignals from a control source. Also, no prior arrangements havefunctioned by addressing the control board of the appliance with asignal that directs the appliance to respond.

Thus, by way of example only, the structure and/or operation of arefrigerator (FIG. 9, although other appliances are also represented)may be modified or altered by reducing the temperature, especially inthe freezer compartment pre on-peak time and further temporarily providea compartment temperature increase to shave on-peak load. Specifically,defrost operation could be delayed until off-peak time. Alternatively orconjunctively, the freezer and refrigerator temperature setpoints may beset to maintain less compressor on time during on-peak demand times.Similarly, the refrigerator/freezer could be programmed so that lightswill not be permitted to come on or the lights must be dimmed lightsduring on-peak demand times. During on-peak demand times, the fanoperating speeds can be reduced, and/or compressor operating speedreduced in order to reduce energy consumption. Still another option isto reduce the delay time for the door alarm to sound during, on-peaktime. Other power load reducing measures in a refrigerator may include(reducing before on-peak hours) the temperature of the freezer andrefrigerator compartments in a refrigerator (prechill) and slightlyincrease temperature setting, during, on-peak rates. For example, justbefore peak rate time, the temperature setting could be decreased by 1-2degrees during off-peak rates). Some communication line with theelectrical company could be established. Thus, the electrical companymay be able to send a signal in advance to prechill the refrigerator (orin the case of an air conditioner, decrease the room temperature duringoff-peak rates as a pre-chill maneuver) and, in turn, increase thetemperature setting during on-peak rates.

Still other energy consuming practices of the exemplary refrigeratorthat may be altered include turning the ice-maker off during on-peakdemand times, or disabling the crushed ice mode during on-peak demandtimes. Alternatively, the consumer may be given the ability to selectvia a user interface which items are incorporated into the on-peakdemand is an enable/disable menu, or to provide input selection such asentry of a zip code (FIG. 10) in order to select the utility company andtime of use schedule (FIG. 11), or using a time versus day of the weekschedule input method (FIGS. 12-13).

The user interface may also incorporate suggested energy saving tips orshow energy usage, or provide an indicator during on-peak mode, orprovide a counter to illustrate the energy impact of door opening, orshowing an energy calculator to the consumer to serve as a reminder ofthe impact of certain selections/actions on energy use or energyconservation (FIGS. 14-19).

One path that is being pursued from the appliance perspective is toallow the onboard CPU (microprocessor) of the appliance to determine howto respond to an incoming signal asking for a load shedding response.For example, the CPU will turn on, turn off, throttle, delay, adjust, ormodify specific functions and features in the appliance to provide aturndown in power consumption (FIG. 20), FIG. 21 defines specificallyexemplary modes of what are possible. The main feature here is theenabling of the main board microprocessor or CPU to execute actions inthe appliance to deliver load shedding (lowering power consumption atthat instant). The actions available in each appliance are only limitedto the devices that the CPU has control over, which are nearly all ofthe electrical consuming devices in an appliance. This may work betterwhere the appliance has an electronic control versus anelectromechanical control.

Of course, the above description focuses on the refrigerator but theseconcepts are equally applicable to other home appliances such asdishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, clothes dryers,televisions (activate a recording feature rather than turning on thetelevision), etc., and the list is simply representative and notintended to be all encompassing.

Likewise, although these concepts have been described with respect toappliances, they may find application in areas other than appliances andother than electricity usage. For example, a controller that acts as anintermediary between the utilities meter and the appliance interpretsthe utility signal, processes it and then submits this signal to theappliance for the prescribed reaction. In a similar fashion, thecontroller may find application to other household utilities, forexample, natural gas and water within the home. One can equip the waterand gas meters to measure flow rates and then drive responses to a gaswater heater or gas furnace precisely like the electrical case. Thiswould assume that one might experience variable gas and water rates inthe future. Secondly, the flow meters being connected to the controllercould provide a consumer with a warning as to broken or leaking waterlines by comparing the flow rate when a given appliance or appliancesare on to the normal consumption. In cases where safety is a concern,the system could stop the flow of gas or water based on the dataanalysis.

Another feature might be the incorporation of “remote subscription” forthe utility benefit. In some cases, the utility will be providingcustomers discounts/rebates for subscribing to DSM in their appliances,hot water heaters, etc. The “remote subscription” feature would allowthe utility to send a signal that would “lockout” the consumer fromdisabling the feature since they were on the “rebate” program.

Another feature that the controller lends itself to is the inclusion of“Remote diagnostics”. This feature would allow the appliance to send asignal or message to the controller indicating, that something in theappliance was not up to specifications. The controller could then relaythis signal to the utility or to the appliance manufacturer via thevarious communication avenues included into the controller (i.e., WIFI,WIMAX, Broadband, cell phone, or any other formats that the controllercould “speak”).

In the case of a remote subscription, the utilities today rely on thehonesty of their subscribers to leave the DSM system functional. Somepeople may receive the discounts/rebate and then disable the featurethat drives the load shedding. With this system, the utility can ensurethat the feature will be enabled and provide the proper load shedding.

With reference to FIG. 22, a household appliance system is shown, andgenerally designated by reference numeral 100. The system 100 includesan appliance control system 102 having a common appliance interface 104provided on an appliance 106. The appliance 106 can be, for example, arefrigerator, a dishwasher, an oven or range, a microwave, a washer, adryer, or some other appliance. A demand side management (DSM) module108 is connected (or connectable) to the common appliance interface 104.The module 108 can correspond to one select utility (e.g., a firstutility 110) of a plurality of utilities, for example, electricalutility, gas utility, water utility, etc. (e.g., first utility 110,second utility 112 of FIG. 23 and third utility 114 of FIG. 24) andadapted to communicate with the one select utility of the plurality ofutilities, e.g. selecting one of plural utilities based on zip code. Aswill be described in more detail below, the appliance control system 102operates the appliance 106 based on communications with the one selectutility 110 through the module 108.

While many configurations are possible, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 22 shows the one select utility 110 including an advanced meteringinfrastructure (AMI) device 116 that communicates directly with the DSMmodule 108. For example, the AMI device 116 could be an electric meterthat both communicates with the DSM module 108 and provides power to theappliance 106, such as via power supply line 118. While the power supplyline 118 in FIG. 22 is shown as passing separately to the appliance 106(i.e., not through the DSM module 108), it will be appreciated thatother configurations could be employed, including having the powersupply line 118 pass through the DSM module 108, for example. Also shownin the illustrated embodiment, the DSM module 108 can be received in arecessed receptacle 120 of the common appliance interface 104. Forexample, the module 108 can be removably connected to the commonappliance interface 104 via the recessed receptacle 120, though otherarrangements could be employed.

The appliance control system 102 can include a CPU 126 connected to thecommon appliance interface 104, particularly to an input/outputinterface 128 which itself is connected to the recessed receptacle 120,for communications with the module 108. The CPU 126 can also beconnected to or include a memory 130 and, depending on the particularappliance, can include another input/output interface 132. Theinput/output interface 132 could include, for example, a display unitand/or an input unit. In one exemplary embodiment, the input/outputinterface 132 includes a display, which can be a touch screen display,and/or includes buttons for receiving user input, for example, aconsumer can enter a zip code or other pertinent information or datainto the control system. Based on communications 134 received from theAMI device 116 concerning the first utility 110, the control system 102,and particularly the CPU 126, can control power delivery, such as frompower input line 118, to one or more power consuming functions, such asa first power consuming function 136, a second power consuming function138, and a third power consuming function 140. In the illustratedembodiment, controlling of power from the power input line 118 to thepower consuming functions 136, 138, 140 occurs through a powerdistribution module 142, which can be integrally provided with the CPU126 or separately provided as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

The DSM module 108 can be one particularly selected due to itscompatibility for communicating with the AMI device 116, for examplereceiving communications 134 from the AMI device 116. Communications 134between the module 108 and the utility 110 through the AMI device 116can be carried on via at least one of the following hardwired orwireless communication protocols: e.g., PLC, SM, AM SSB, WiFi, ZibBee,Radio Broadcast Data System, IEEE 802.11 standard compatible, or IEEE802.15.4 standard compatible, or still other communication systems maybe used without departing from the scope and intent of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, if the utility 110 preferably communicatesthrough the AMI device 116 by a particular wireless broadcast, the DSMmodule 108 can be one selected for receiving communications 134 of thesame wireless broadcast type.

In an alternate configuration, and with reference to FIG. 23, the DSMmodule 150 is shown in an appliance 152 wherein the module 150 is anintegral mounted module, which can be integrally mounted inside (i.e.,internal to the appliance) and/or outside (i.e., external to theappliance) the appliance 152. Also shown in FIG. 23 is an alternateconfiguration wherein the module 150 communicates with AMI device 154associated with the utility 112 through two-way communications 156. Suchtwo-way communications can be any of those discussed above in connectionwith the module 108 suitable for two-way communications.

With reference to FIG. 24, still another alternate configuration isshown including an appliance 158 having a DSM module 160 that receivescommunications in association with a third utility 114. In thisconfiguration, communications 162 to the module 160 can occur directlyfrom the utility 114. For example, the utility 114 could broadcast overFM, AM SSB, or a radio broadcast data system, or over an other suitablecommunications protocol that allows direct communications from theutility 114 to the DSM module 160.

From the various arrangements depicted herein, it should be appreciatedthat the DSM module (e.g., modules 108, 150, 160) are all configured andselected such that they are capable of communicating with an AMI system,such as AMI system 164, schematically illustrated in FIG. 28. Themodule, such as module 166, can further be selected depending on theparticular type of communications desired, for example, two-waycommunications 168 or one-way communications 170. Returning reference toFIG. 1, the appliance control system 102 can operate the appliance 106in one of several states of operation based on the communications withthe selected one utility 112 through the module 108. For example, theseveral states of operation can include a normal state and at least oneof a low energy mode and a lower energy mode. By way of example, eitherof a low energy mode or the lower energy mode can include reducing orcutting power to at least one power consuming function, such as powerconsuming functions 136, 138, 140, of the appliance 106. Example powerconsuming functions are shown in FIG. 20 when the appliance 106 is arefrigerator. In one exemplary embodiment, the control system 102 canoperate the appliance 106 in the low energy mode or the lower energymode when the communications 134 with the select one utility 110 throughthe module 108 indicate that the select one utility 110 is providingpower at a higher rate of at least two rates (e.g., peak power rate anda normal power rate) of a power rate cost schedule.

The module 108 can be powered from at least one of the appliance 106 ora separate power supply, for example in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 22, the DSM module 108 can be powered by the appliance 106. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, the module 160 can be powered by aseparate power supply 176, which could be a conventional 110 volt ACoutlet, for example. In addition, or in the alternative, the separatepower supply 176 could include rechargeable batteries that power themodule 160. If desired, the module 108 for example, can be powered fromthe appliance, such as appliance 106, and is turned off by the appliance106 until the appliance needs to make a decision about power usagerelated to the appliance. In one exemplary embodiment, the module 108 ispowered from a separate power supply and the appliance control system102 operates the appliance 106 in a low energy state, or a sleep mode,while the module 106 communicates with the one select utility 110.

With reference to FIG. 25, a method for configuring an appliance tocommunicate with one select utility of a plurality of power utilities isillustrated e.g., an electric utility, water utility, gas utility, etc.,and second ones of an electric utility, water utility, or gas utility,etc). At S200, module 108 is selected from a plurality of modules, suchas modules 108, 150, 160 and/or other modules (not shown). In S202 theselected module 108 is deployed in an appliance, such as appliance 106.For example, deploying the selected module 108 in the appliance 106 caninclude installing the module 108 in recess receptacle 120, such asremovably installing the module 108 in the recess receptacle 120 throughthe common appliance interface 104. Once deployed, the appliance 106 cancommunicate with the one select utility 110 (e.g., a particular one ofperhaps multiple electrical or other types of utilities) through themodule 108 as indicated in S204. Thereafter, the appliance 106 can beoperated as already described herein based on the communications withthe select one utility 110 as indicated at S206.

Turning to FIG. 26, a second module, such as module 150, can be selectedfrom the plurality of modules, such as modules 108, 150, 160 and/orother modules (not shown), the second module 150 corresponding to asecond select utility (a different one of perhaps multiple electrical orother types of utilities), such as utility 112, of a plurality ofutilities as indicated at S208. The selected second module 150 can bedeployed in a second appliance, such as appliance 152 in the same manneras described reference to the module 108 being deployed in the appliance106 as indicated at S210. Once deployed, the appliance 152 cancommunicate with the second select, utility 112 through the secondmodule 150 as indicated at S212. Next, the second appliance 152 can beoperated based on the communications with the second select utility 112as indicated at S214.

As described above, communications with the utilities, such as at S204and S212, can occur through the respective modules 108, 150 using anaccepted communication protocols, which may include: PLC, FM AM SSB,WiFi, ZibBee, Radio Broadcast Data System, IEEE 802.11 standardcompatible, or IEEE 802.15.4 standard compatible. Operating theappliance based on the communications, such as at S206 and S214, caninclude operating the appliance in at least one of a low energy mode anda lower energy mode. For example, operating the appliance based oncommunications with one of the utilities 110, 112 can include reducingor cutting power to at least one power consuming function of theappliance.

Turning to FIG. 27, a method for configuring appliance to communicatewith power utilities is shown. In particular, at S220 a first set ofmodules corresponding to a first utility (e.g., a first electricutility) is provided. At S222, a second set of modules corresponding toa second utility (e.g., a second electric utility) is provided. Thefirst set of modules can correspond to the first utility, particularlyin that they are pre-adapted to communicate with the first utility.Likewise, the second set of modules can be such that they arepre-adapted to communicate with the second utility. As described in S202and S210, the first set of modules from S220 can be deployed in a firstset of appliances fix communicating with a first utility (S224).Similarly, a second set of modules can be deployed in a second set ofappliances for communicating with a second utility (S226). Oncedeployed, the first set of appliances can communicate with the first setof modules using a first communication protocol and the second set ofappliances can communicate with the second utility through the secondset of modules using a second, different communication protocol.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. For example, it is understood that a first utility can beone of many different types of utilities and likewise a second utilityca) be one of many different types of utilities, as well as referring tothe situation where the first and second utilities are the same type ofutility e.g., both electric) but different companies or suppliers. It isintended that the invention be construed as including all suchmodifications and alterations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A household appliance system, comprising: anappliance control system having a common appliance interface provided onan appliance; a demand side management module connected to the commonappliance interface, the module corresponding to one select utility ofan associated plurality of utilities and configured to communicate withthe one select utility, wherein the appliance control system operatesthe appliance based on communications with the one select utilitythrough the module; the appliance control system configured to operatethe appliance in one of several states of operation including a normalstate and at least one of a low energy and a lower energy mode; and theappliance control system being configured to operate the appliance inthe low energy mode or the lower energy mode when the communicationswith the one select utility indicate the one select utility is providingpower at a higher rate of a power rate cost schedule.
 2. The householdappliance system of claim 1 wherein the module is removably connected tothe common appliance interface.
 3. The household appliance system ofclaim 1 wherein the communications between the module and one selectutility are carried on via at least one of the following communicationprotocols: PLC, FM, AM SSB, WiFi, ZigBee, Radio Broadcast Data System,IEEE 802.11 standard compatible, or IEEE 802.15.4 standard compatible.4. The household appliance control system of claim 1 wherein the lowenergy mode and the lower energy mode include reducing or cutting powerto at least one power consuming function of the appliance.
 5. Thehousehold appliance control system of claim 1 wherein the one selectutility includes an AMI device that communicates directly with themodule.
 6. The household appliance control system of claim 5 wherein theAMI device is an electric meter.
 7. The household appliance controlsystem of claim 1 wherein the module is powered from at least one of theappliance or a separate power supply.
 8. The household appliance controlsystem of claim 7 wherein the separate power supply includesrechargeable batteries that power the module.
 9. A household appliancesystem, comprising: an appliance control system having a commonappliance interface provided on an appliance; a demand side managementmodule connected to the common appliance interface, the modulecorresponding to one select utility of an associated plurality ofutilities and configured to communicate with the one select utility,wherein the appliance control system operates the appliance based oncommunications with the one select utility through the module; themodule being powered from the appliance and controlled to be turned offby the appliance to a standby mode until the appliance needs to make adecision about power usage related to the appliance.
 10. The householdappliance control system of claim 7 where the module is powered from aseparate power supply and the appliance control system operates theappliance in a low energy state or sleep mode while the modulecommunicates with the one select utility.